Thursday, November 8, 2018

Parakeets are beautiful and intelligent pets, but before buying one, it helps to learn a bit about good parakeet care. This will help ensure that you and your pet bird enjoy a long, happy relationship.

Parakeets also called budgies, require the proper cage. Make sure it's a cage designed for small birds, with narrow gaps between the cage bars. Get the largest cage you can afford - it should have enough space for your parakeet to open his wings fully. The cage should have a swing, and at least two perches. Attach a cuttlebone to the side of the cage so your parakeet can keep his beak trim.

Make sure the cage has a pullout bottom drawer so you can easily keep the floor clean. Place newspapers or bird paper down on the bottom to absorb the droppings. You can sometimes find parakeet cages with a grated floor above the bottom of the cage - this will keep your parakeet off the dirty bottom.

Position the cage off the floor in a draft-free area. If you're concerned about drafts, cover the sides or parts of the cage with towels to be on the safe side.

Parakeet Feeding

Give your parakeet fresh food and water daily. Buy a good seed mixture designed for parakeets and supplement their diet with vitamin drops and bird gravel (available in most pet stores). Whenever opening their cage, use caution and make sure all the doors and windows are closed - because a parakeet can escape in a flash. Also make sure no household predators are around (dogs, cats, etc.).

Parakeet Handling

Parakeets frighten easily, so try to avoid any noisy or sudden movements towards them. Take your time and be gentle whenever you're around them, this will gradually gain their trust. You should immediately begin the process of getting them used to you and your hand. You can do this by placing your hand in their cage and leaving it there for 5 - 10 minutes, as often as you can. While your hand is in their cage, sing and talk soothingly to your parakeet and this will help establish a bond of trust. After a period of time, you'll be able to place your forefinger under your budgie's chest and he'll hop right on your finger and stay there for longer and longer periods of time.

Parakeet Exercise

To stay healthy, a parakeet needs exercise - and this means flight. You should let your parakeet out of his cage to fly every day. Start out slowly, because a bird that's been caged for a long time will be very weak in the beginning and have problems flying. Take his cage into a small room, such as a bathroom, and open the door to his cage. He'll eventually get out and try to fly. There will be some crashes and frustration, but in a small room such as a bathroom, you won't have to worry about him getting stuck behind a bookcase. After a week or so, he should be in flight--shape and then you can begin letting him out to fly in larger rooms.

Parakeet Health Care

Parakeets are susceptible to a variety of diseases, but the most common and potentially fatal is diarrhea. Keep an eye on her stools - they should be round and solid. If they are consistently runny, then she could have diarrhea. Think about any changes you might have made to your parakeet. Have you given her table food? Many table foods can be harmful to a parakeet and give them diarrhea, even seemingly harmless foods such as iceberg lettuce. Stick to seed and treats designed for parakeets and go to the pet store or call your veterinarian for an anti-diarrhea medicine designed for parakeets.

Good parakeet care doesn't have to be complicated. Just take the time to give him attention and care on a daily basis. And it's a good idea to invest in a good parakeet or budgie care handbook.

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Psittacula
Species: P. cyanocephalaGeneral Information:
The Plum-headed Parakeet is a species of parrot that occurs throughout South Asia. It lives in flocks and is considered a quite social species.

Physical Description:
This species is about 13 inches in length, with a tail that can measure nearly 9 inches. This parakeet weighs approximately 66 to 80 g. The breeding male has generally light green plumage with a black chin strap. It has a red head that fades into bluish purple on the back of the crown. Its rump and tail are bluish green and there are red/maroon patches on the shoulders. The female has a grayish colored head and no patches on its shoulders. Juveniles can be distinguished by their green heads and shorter tail feathers.

Diet:
The Plum-headed Parakeet feeds on a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers, and leaf buds.

Habitat:
The Plum-headed Parakeet occurs in forests, woodlands, plains, and farmlands. They generally favor terrain with an elevation range between 1640 ft and 4920 ft. Its range spans across the Indian subcontinent, including areas in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Rameswaram Island. The Plum-headed Parakeet nests in tree holes.

Reproduction:
Unlike many other parakeets, the Plum-headed Parakeet does not mate for life. The female lays an average of 4 - 6 white eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about 19 to 20 days, and the young fledge at about 6 - 7 weeks of age.

Monday, October 8, 2018

We have a green ringneck parrot, and Mr. Stan is the happiest bird in the world. If you are feeling down, just walk into the bird room and Mr. Stan will immediately cheer you up.

There are lots of different parrots breeds, but I'd like to visit with you about the green ringneck parrots. There are actually two types of green ringneck parrots, the African Ringneck and the Indian Ringneck. The African Ringneck is the smaller of the two breeds, but they both have the happiest personalities of any parrot alive. The African Grey may talk better, the Cockatoo might be better at solving puzzles, the Amazons may be larger and more brightly colored, but no other parrot in the world is as happy as the little green ringneck parrot.

All you have to do to get Mr. Stan squawking and singing is just stick your head in the room. If he doesn't see you because he is playing, just whistle, and the concert begins. He will get all of the other parrots bouncing and squawking within seconds.

We went to Pakistan several years ago for a construction project and found Mr. Stan in the local bird market. He was so friendly and enthusiastic that we brought him back to America when we came home. Don't try this yourself, the paperwork and expense of traveling with birds is not something that I recommend.

The Indian Ringneck is native to Pakistan and India, and it is common to see flocks in the hundreds. And the wild parrots are just as happy as Mr. Stan is.

At dusk, all of the birds would flock to the trees for the night, and there would be resounding chorus as all the different breeds of birds would start to bed down. But the loveliest chorus was the song from the little green ringnecks.

Parrot breeders have developed some color variations for the ringneck, and you can find them in blue and yellow. They have the same small body and the same enthusiastic personality, just a different color.

So, if you are looking for a parrot to take home, I would encourage you to think about the little green ringneck parrot, the happiest bird in the world.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

The Parakeet Auklet was first identified to science by Simon Peter Pallas (22 September 1741 to 8 September 1811) a zoologist and botanist who worked in Russia. He received his doctorate degree at the age of nineteen the Netherlands at the University of Leiden. He was a voluminous writer, and there are numerous biological species, streets, and an asteroid named after him.

Like all birds, the Parakeet Auklet belongs to Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata (animals having backbones), and Class Aves. It belongs to the Order Charadriiformes, the family Alcidae, the Genus Aethia, and the species Psittacula. Its scientific name, therefore, is Aethia Psittacula. It has also been identified as Cyclorrhynchus Psittacula and Phaleris Psittacula.

The bird has a black head and black upper parts. Its breast, extending to its shoulders, and its belly is white. Its eye is white. There is a distinct white plume that begins at the back edge of the eye and protrudes backward, the length of the head. The short bill is orange and upturned so that the Parakeet Auklet has peculiar fixed expression.

The Parakeet Auklet makes a series of rhythmic hoarse calls and a quavering squeal. It is very vocal at its nesting site. It calls on its own and sings a duet with its mate. It lives in the boreal waters of Alaska, Kamchatka, and Siberia. It finds its food in the ocean, diving as much as 30 meters to catch its prey, which includes jellyfish and small planktonic crustaceans such as euphausiids, copepods, and amphipods. It makes its nest on the rocky cliffs of islands.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Whether you are a parakeet breeder or you have just a single budgerigar parakeet, understanding his or her behavior can give you big headaches. Before buying a budgie you should inform about his health and read about budgerigar behavior.

Otherwise, it is possible to buy a sick budgerigar and your efforts to understand your companion will be in vain. You should know that budgie care takes time and understanding. Consult a book about parakeets or read various articles on the Internet, such as this one.

Sometimes, the budgie may scream. This will happen when something is missing to your parakeet. Parrot screams are stressful and annoying. We need to understand their needs quickly. One reason could be the lack of food. The basic food is millet, but budgie can eat oats and sunflower seeds. As fruits and greens, you can give your budgerigar apple, banana, parsley, and dandelion. Another reason is that the budgie likes to bathe. The bath cools them, helps to get rid of dust and more than that cheers them.

Sometimes, budgie stretches one leg and wing on the same side with the leg. We can compare this movement with human morning stretch. Thus, budgie relaxes his fingers and body.

To scare the enemy, budgie swells the feathers to look more impressive. Raises his wings and open his beak and begins to scream. Another reason is to conserve the body heat and to get warm.

Sometimes, budgie raises the wings when he feels too hot. If the bird frequently yawns it means that is not enough fresh air and you have to ventilate the room. The budgie can sneeze. This allows him to clean the nostrils.

Budgies hate to be left alone, to be kept in small, dark spaces, not to receive enough affection, to be scolded or beaten, to have unwashed cages, not to get food and water when needed. Instead, budgies love to be constantly with the owner, to be loved and to play a lot, to have many toys and to be rewarded from time to time with goodies, to be kept on the finger or shoulder, and to have a clean cage.

No matter what your parakeet is doing wrong, do not ever hit him because he could no longer trust you. On the contrary, the relationship with your companion must be a strong one. Birds usually do not understand hitting, spraying with water, screaming as corrective methods.

A very interesting fact is that the budgie is strongly influenced by the outside atmosphere. If the morning is gloomy and rainy, your parakeet will be quite upset and apathetic, if he sees the sun, will be happy all day long.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Budgie parakeets can make wonderful pets if you know how to keep them happy. A lot of people assume that in order to keep their pet parakeet happy, all they need to do is give it food, water, and a clean cage to live in. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Parakeets have a variety of special needs that can be best understood by taking a look at how wild parakeets behave in their native land of Australia.

Parakeets evolved for life in the great Australian Outback. Life in this arid desert-like landscape is not easy. Temperatures can reach well over 100°F, food is scarce, standing water can be very difficult to find, and predators lurk in the skies as well as in the underbrush. In order to help deal with these harsh conditions, parakeets have developed some unique adaptations.

Food and Water

Most large parrots need access to a huge variety of nuts, fruits, and vegetables in order to be healthy. These things are not readily available to the parakeet. Because of this, the parakeet has shrunken in size compared to other parrots and lives almost entirely off of grass seeds. Grasses are a dependable source of food in the Outback because they can grow even with very little water.

Even though parakeets mainly live on grass seeds, it's important to note that they feed on over 20 different kinds of grasses. This variety helps them get all the nutrients they need. It's important that you provide your pet parakeet with a large variety of seeds as well as formulated pellets in order to keep your pet healthy.

Parakeet bodies have been streamlined to preserve water. If the humidity is high and the temperatures are cool, they can go without drinking for over a week and hardly show signs of fatigue. If you or I were to try this we would die within just a few days.

Because parakeets drink so little, it's important that you keep your bird's water bowl clean and fresh by switching out the water every day instead of just waiting for your bird to drink it all and then refilling it. If you let the water stay for several days it can grow bacteria that can kill your parrot.

Flying Ability

Parakeets are not built for long distance flying. Instead, they enjoy powerful bursts of flight for short distances. A parakeet can take off almost immediately if he thinks his life is in danger and his incredible maneuverability makes him almost impossible to catch, even for stealthy and agile predators like the peregrine falcon. Even though parakeets typically only fly in short bursts, they are nomadic (they never stay in the same place for very long) and during the course of just one day they may end up covering more than 10 miles in their search for food.

Your parakeet needs time outside of his cage every day in order to fly around the house, climb on things, and do a little exploring to get his wiggles out.

Make sure the parakeet cage you buy is large enough for your bird to fly in without snagging his wings on the walls when he gets excited or frightened. The smallest cage for a single bird should be no less than 2 feet long. Also, make sure that your bird has toys to climb on and chew up in order to get some exercise.

Parakeet Flocks

Parakeets are flock birds that are never seen alone unless they are sick or have gotten lost in their clan. Parakeet flocks can be as small 5 to 10 birds or larger than 10,000! Flocks shrink and grow depending on the availability of food. When times get tough, large groups will break into smaller flocks to avoid fighting over patches of grass when foraging.

The flock provides parakeets with safety from predators as well as a place to make friends and find a mate. Because parakeets are such social animals, your bird will need several hours of attention from you each day unless you have several parakeets to keep each other company. A lonely parakeet is a sad and frightened parakeet.

Parakeets are paranoid

The parakeet's Australian name is "Budgerigar" which means "Little Snack". These poor innocent creatures can be found on the dinner menu of almost every meat-eating animal in the Outback. Because of this, they are horribly scared of almost anything that moves, including humans.

It's important that you carefully earn your parakeets trust before attempting to handle your bird. Never hit your parakeet when he does something wrong and never leaves your bird alone with a dog or cat.

Now that you know a little more about wild parakeets, I hope you will be able to make your pet parakeet feel a little more at home in your family. Good luck to you!

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Parakeets have always been the most popular pets among birds. They are known for their chitchatting and easy domestication. Their basic color feather is yellowish green, but they also come in other colors, such as colorful blue, and sometimes, they can be completely white or yellow.

A parakeet as a pet usually means a lot of fun. It is true that they can be so noisy, but it is very interesting and nice watching them bristle and chat with themselves or even with a little thing. As any other kind of parrots, they mimic the sounds they often hear. They usually imitate phone ringing, bell ringing, or even a part of your favorite tunes. However, when it comes to talking, it is a little harder for them to emulate words, usually because of some consonants which they find hard to pronounce. Yet, it is not impossible. With a little effort and patience, you can successfully teach them to pronounce a few single words, even shorter sentences.

For the beginning, if you haven't acquired your parakeet yet, it is great, because buying is the crucial step in teaching your parakeet words. Make sure to buy a very young parakeet, preferably a chick, because they are best at learning words and sounds while they are young. If they are old, you will never be able to teach them to talk. When choosing a parakeet, let it be a male. Males are easier to domesticate and teach, and they prefer chatting to squawking. Females are usually wild, and you will need more time to domesticate them and teach them words.

This may be cruel, but if you want to teach your parakeet talk, don't buy a couple. When they are together, they focus on each other and will not pay much attention to external sounds. You will also notice that it will take longer for them to imitate a simple sound; it often happens that they produce nothing but chitchat and squawking. The same applies to little mirrors; once a parakeet has it in its cage, it will never separate from it, and thus, will not pay attention to you or the sounds.

Now when you have all done well, start with learning. Start with simple and short words with more vowels. Once they master the simple words, they will easily overcome the harder ones. However, do not despair if your parakeet curiously and silently watches you while teaching it; it is a good sign because it tries to memorize the words. Patience is essential in this case. Sometimes, it takes only a few days, but sometimes a couple of weeks; but patience always pays off in the end.

As you can see, a good start is very important here. It is not just about buying a parakeet with a beautiful color but taking a young bird that will learn quickly and be your friend for several years. However, keep in mind that all parakeets are not the same; some will learn slower, some faster, and some will be able to imitate just a few simple words. It also depends on how much time you can devote to it. So, good luck!

Friday, May 11, 2018

A pet Mitred Parakeet (also known as the Mitred Conure). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many in aviculture will tell you that nothing compares to the satisfaction of raising a healthy, loving bird, but there is one bigger thrill that the parrot enthusiast can enjoy - the discovery of a new species. There is no need to travel to the uncharted territories of space to find unidentified life forms, but on the other hand, discoveries are few and far between. This article introduces a couple of new species discovered in 2006.

Study of new species contributes to the knowledge base of microevolutionary patterns and processes of parrot evolution and can be used to test the relative contribution that different microevolutionary forces have in shaping species.

Camiguin Hanging-parrot, Loriculus (philippensis) camiguinensis

This parrot was first described in 2006 and is found on the island of Camiguin in the Philippines. It was identified as a separate species from the Philippine Hanging Parrot (Loriculus camiguinensis). It is a mostly green bird measuring around five and a half inches. It was discovered in Camiguin's forest in the coconut plantations, and there are thought to be a population of around 2,000.

Tucuman Mitred Conure, Aratinga mitrata tucumana

First described in 2006 this is one of the Mitred Parakeet (Aratinga mitrata), a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It has mainly green plumage and measures up to 15 inches. It was discovered in its native habitat in Tucuman in Argentina but is thought to be in Peru also. It likes to stay in dry areas of tree and forest. It can be distinguished by its green cheeks and red coloring that is limited to its forehead.

These new species are not suitable parrots as pets, and it will take time for aviculture to lead to domestication.

Monday, February 5, 2018

Whilst Parakeets are traditionally from the wilderness, these superb birds make great household pets. Ask a child what their favorite animal is and usually, the more traditional responses include dog, cat or fish. No one really thinks of parakeets as a pet, but the fact is these little wild birds make wonderful feathered friends! Here are several great reasons that parakeets should be listed as one of the best domestic pets to own!

Parakeets Are able to Talk

Parakeets are one of those rare pets that over a period of time can learn to talk with their keepers. Yes, a dog can easily learn to bark on demand and a cat can easily meow when it comes close to you but it does not compare to a conversing bird! With the right training and effort devoted to teaching your parakeet to speak, it'll just be a matter of time until they are chit-chatting back with their masters.

Parakeets Happen to be Decent Whistlers

Pucker together your lips and lend a little whistle! Whistling has been stated as one of the ways that humans can easily minimize stress and feel renewed. Very few people today realize that Parakeets are great whistlers. Parakeets have got fantastic memories that enable them to recollect tunes and whistle tones as well as repeat them back. It'll take some time and training but fairly quickly your Parakeet will be whistling back to you. Maybe your parakeet will have a beloved song which it may whistle on demand and amuse your pals.

Parakeets are usually Social Pets

Also, there are quite a few therapeutic benefits to having an animal rub up against your own leg or sit down on one's lap. Most people assume that only cats and dogs may do this but parakeets are just as friendly as these other creatures. After a parakeet has been hand taught it can easily be just as sociable as any cat or dog. A few of the great ways that parakeets are sociable consist of permitting for head pats, smallish nibbling on your fingertips and even the ability to stroll way up your arm, shoulders or head and devote some time with you. This is just a few of the great ways parakeets show their fondness to you.

Parakeets are equally very sociable to various other parakeets and pet birds. Typically they'll enjoy the companionship of other birds and will come together, play and chirp along with each other. However, just like men and women occasionally a parakeet will not be friends with other parakeets or wild birds and will really need to be split up. Just watch for the hints of hostility from your parakeet and know when your parakeet has had too much fun and interaction and requires some time alone.

Lively and Fun Interactions

Parakeets really like to play. Toys, baths, and mirrors are just a few tips for keeping your parakeet entertained and occupied. Playing with several of the toys or making a bath for your parakeet is just a handful of the ways to bind with your parakeet. Just a little bowl of water can easily serve as a swimming pool for the parakeet and keep them busy for hours. They may get in and out, shake water on their wings and just savor playing in the water. Since every single parakeet is different what one adores playing with another will not. Watch your parakeet for what toys they enjoy and enjoy some bonding time together with your parakeet.

Whilst it may take some training, a parakeet might be just as much a social friend to any human as a cat or dog can be. These amazing avians have ways of letting you know their personal habits and emotions from a tilt of the head, a sharp chirp or a wing flip a parakeet has several ways of letting you know what they are thinking. As with every animal, parakeets may differ. The way one parakeet behaves will not be the same as another and that's what causes them to be such wonderful household pets.

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Nanday Parakeets (also known as the Black-hooded Parakeet and Nanday Conure) at a bird feeder in the USA.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Parakeets are listed as one of the top five most popular pet birds, and it's no wonder. They are colorful, delightful birds that make soothing chirping sounds and are wonderful pets for anyone interested in opening their home to a bird. They are loving, cuddly, and intelligent birds that can even learn to speak a few words. Here are 5 components for a nutritious diet that will mean a happy, healthier bird.

Water-

Change water as often as necessary to keep it fresh. Open water can be a big attraction for mold, mildew, and bacteria which are unhealthy for birds and you. If you live in an older home where lead pipes are a possibility, flush out pipes thoroughly before filling your bird's dish. Another option may be to teach your bird to drink from a water bottle. If using plastic, check to make sure it will not leach into the water.

Seeds-

Parakeets enjoy grains, seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits-all of which should be organic to avoid your bird ingesting harmful pesticides used in the growing process. Seeds should include a variety of grains and fresh millet seeds. Sprouted seeds are the best because they provide the most nutrients. Like people, Parakeets eat with their eyes and keeping the food choices colorful, and multi-textured will keep your bird stimulated and interested in eating. Many stores provide a pre-mixed variety of seeds, but always check to make sure it is fresh and organic. Seed should be stored in a tightly closed jar in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Cuttlebone-

Always provide your bird with cuttlebone. The inner parts of the Cuddle fish used to make these are calcium-rich and serve as a toy for exercise, a file for the beak, and an excellent source of additional calcium and iodine (prevents goiter). It may take your Parakeet a while to use it but have patience. Move it to different locations in the cage, and add a little bit of it to the food dish to encourage acceptance. Cuttlebone can be found in any store that sells birds supplies, and often in grocery stores as well.

Vitamins-

Supplementing diet with vitamins is an excellent way to ensure that your bird is receiving all the nutrients it needs. Some recommend putting vitamins in the water, but there is no guarantee that your bird will drink all of the water and so you are unable to control the number of vitamins it has received. A better way is to add vitamins to treats that they are sure to ingest. After you have identified your bird's favorite foods, giving vitamins on or with that particular food will ensure that your bird has received its necessary supplement. Get your veterinarian's advice on type, amount, and frequency of vitamins to be given.

Treats-

Just like people, birds enjoy treats on both a physical and emotional level. Some favorites include honey sticks (available in lots of flavors), popcorn on a stick, fresh mallet spray (seeds still on the stem), fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Experiment to find your pet's favorite, and be sure to remove fresh food before it has a chance to spoil.

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Budgies are very easy to maintain. Therefore, often you can buy two or more budgerigars. Some of them can be tamed or can be taught to talk. They can attach to a specific person of the family, especially those who care for them. Budgies are getting angry when do not see the owners for a long time and enjoy when are surrounded by family.

Adopt a budgie if you really love birds. It must be left free to fly around the house. Buying a parrot is something that must be done with responsibility.

If possible, choose a parakeet from breeders, already trained to come to finger and eat out of hand. Such parakeets have greater confidence in the people you befriend him fast. Budgie breeders can provide details of parakeet care. Such parakeets have greater confidence in the people, and you quickly will become his best friend.

If it is very scared at first, do not worry! Show him that you love him, act gentle, talk with him, but stay away until he gets used to the new space and others.

Make gentle gestures around parakeets, no yelling, no music or TV so loud, do not suddenly shake the cage, do not let the dog or cat approach to his cage. Pets are always a danger to birds.

Cover the back of the cage. If it is too much space around the cage, he will fear the various dangers that can come from all directions. Do not put your hand in the cage for him, do not try to catch him.

Change food and water and talk to him until he feels that he/she got used to you. You can try to approach him your hand, teach him to climb on your finger or to take a seed on your finger.

Whatever is doing wrong the bird (burrows seeds, bites, screams, runs away) do not hit the birds. Budgies and birds generally do not understand hitting, spraying water, screaming etc. as methods of correction. To teach a parakeet to talk repetition is needed. Budgies are not known for their skills of talking and most of them do not speak.

When you leave the budgie to fly freely through the house do not forget to close the window and pull the curtain. Budgerigars do not understand what means the glass of the windows and try to fly through them. Too low or too high temperatures affect bird health. Budgie cage should not be placed near air conditioning or fan.

Electrical cords are very dangerous. Budgies can fray the cable and this can be fatal. To avoid these accidents mask the cables.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Parrots and parakeets are gregarious birds and are rarely seen alone. They’re intelligent birds and are quite noisy in the early morning and again in the late afternoon as they move about in large groups. We often see large flocks of parrots flying from tree to tree around Ojochal numbering in the 100’s. Many species mate for life and will be seen flying in pairs.

The central and southern Pacific regions of Costa Rica are home to the majority of both parrots and parakeets found within the county. The Corcovado Reserve, located in the Osa Peninsula, contains many birds, as does the southern coastal plain. The Carara Biological Reserve, located about 45 miles south-west of San Jose, is a popular place to spot numerous types of parrots, parakeets, and macaws.

Many parrot populations worldwide are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and collection for the pet trade. The loss of nest trees and chick poaching can drastically reduce reproductive success. However, due to the long lifespan of many parrots, populations are unlikely to become extinct rapidly even with complete reproductive failure. Since 1975, an international agreement known as CITES, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, has helped to protect native populations of threatened and endangered species by limiting trade in these animals. These days, parrots and parakeets sold at pet stores are raised domestically by Aviculturalists however some species are difficult to breed in captivity and unfortunately are still sought by collectors.

There are about 16 types of parrots and parakeets seen frequently within Costa Rica as well as two types of Macaws. Of the parakeets, common varieties include the Orange Chinned, the Brown Throated, the Orange-Fronted, the Sulfur Winged, the Olive Throated and the Crimson Fronted Parakeet. Parrots include the Yellow Naped, the Red Loret, the Mealy Parrot, the White Fronted, the White Crowned, the Blue Headed, the Brown Hooded Parrot and the Red Fronted Parrotlet. Macaws of Costa Rica include the Scarlet Macaw and the Green Macaw. Since Parrots seek fruits and nuts for their diet, various fruit trees, almond and macadamia nut trees have been planted along the beaches of southern Costa Rica to provide ample sources of food for these feathered friends.

Zoo Ave, located in Alajuela, Costa Rica, is the largest aviary zoo and breeder in Costa Rica. The organization breeds birds for release to help replenish and re-establish wild bird populations throughout Costa Rica and sponsored a large public awareness program in Costa Rica to discourage the caging of wild birds as pets.

About the Author: Steve Linder is the marketing manager for Pacific Lots of Costa Rica www.PacificLots.com, the largest expat development in Costa Rica and located in the southern Pacific region of the country. Now in their 22nd year, Pacific Lots is the largest seller of real estate, ocean view home sites and custom homes and properties for expats in Costa Rica. Click here to request more information.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=717130&ca=Real+Estate

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Parakeet parrots are one of the most popular and sought-after types of parrots. When many people speak about owning a pet parrot, they think of a parakeet. Parakeets are small to medium in size and have long tails. If you're considering a parakeet parrot as a pet, there are some important factors to consider when purchasing their birdcage to ensure happy and healthy birds.

You'll want to consider the following when selecting a parakeet's birdcage:

Birdcage Size

Generally speaking, parakeet parrots can be smaller than most other types of parrots, but they should still live in a decent size birdcage no smaller than 24" x 16" x 16". Your pet parakeets will require space to spread their wings. You'll also need to consider your birds' wingspan when purchasing a new cage. It is bad for your parakeet to have their wings or tail brush against the cage when they try to extend their wings. This has both a physical and mental effect on the birds over time. It is best to purchase the largest birdcage you can afford and have space for in your home.

Due to the fact that parakeet parrots enjoy nesting with one another, you can keep two or three parakeets in a larger cage. Some parakeet cages have many water and feeding bowls to accommodate for many parakeets. It is, however, important to not have parakeets living with other kinds of parrots to prevent behavioral issues.

Birdcage Shape

It is important to remember that parakeets enjoy and benefit more from cages which are wider than taller since parakeet parrots tend to fly back and forth more than up and down. If your cage is too tall, the space in the upper part of the cage can be wasted, but if you install perches or branches in the cage, this can encourage climbing. Having a wide cage in which one side is against the wall makes the parakeet most comfortable. Interestingly enough, experts have said that a round cage isn't ideal for parakeets.

Birdcage Bard

Since parakeets tend to be a smaller variety of parrots, you'll want bars on your birdcage that are not spaced more than 0.5" apart. If the spaces are any wider, your parakeet will be tempted to push their head though with the potential of getting stuck. Some experts say that it is recommended that the parakeet parrot birdcage have one or two cage walls that have horizontal bars instead of vertical bars to give them the opportunity to climb.

Birdcage Material

It has been said that stainless steel birdcages are the best material for your parakeet, along with wrought iron and cold rolled steel. The reason stainless steel is so popular is that it is easy to maintain and tends to resist rust. Certain materials can be toxic for your parakeet parrots such as lead, galvanized steel, zinc, and brass. Since parakeets enjoy exploring and chewing, they could have the potential to ingest metal or have metal flakes get in their eyes. You'll want to seek out a birdcage that is naturally treated rather than ones with too many chemicals added.

Taking these four tips to heart when searching for and purchasing your new parakeet parrot birdcage will help you make the safe and most comforting decision for your bird.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Budgerigars have quite a few different names: Melopsittacus undulates is the scientific name, and they are also known as budgies, parakeets, shell parakeets, and common pet parakeets. In terms of taxonomy these birds are small parrots from the Platycercini - a tribe of broad-tailed parrots:

This hardy little bird has been around for five million years and is native to the harsh arid climate of the Australian bush. Budgies have been bred in captivity in an array of attractive colors, and some of the best known are:

Crested opaline cobalt budgerigar

Grey budgerigar

Grey-winged sky blue budgerigar

Light green budgerigar

Lutino budgerigar

Opaline dominant pied budgerigar

The light green budgerigar is the original native specimen and the others result from selective breeding of mutations. There are now thousands of possible color variations.

The crested opaline cobalt budgerigar is one of the budgies with a crested mutation - this crest of feathers on top of the head is quite distinctive and looks like a flat-top haircut. The cobalt coloring is very impressive and is enhanced by the opaline pattern of the plumage. This parrot lives to around seven years and grows to around seven inches.

The gray budgerigar has not only gray plumage but also gray feet. Like most other budgies it grows to seven inches and lives for around seven years. It has a white head and a series of notable black spots between the head and gray body.

The gray-winged sky blue budgerigar's mutation of gray wings was first identified in 1918, and the way these blend with a sky blue breast make a very attractive bird. The birds face is white or yellow. You can identify the female by the brown cere.

The light green budgerigar with its yellow head and green body is the classic budgie which you can see in is a native habitat of Australia.

The lutino budgerigar's bright yellow plumage capture's many an owner's hearts. It is the absence of melanin that means that there are no black spots. Looking closely you will note that the wing feathers are lighter than the rest of the bright yellow body.

The impressively named opaline dominant pied budgerigar (melopsittacus undulatus) can have a variety of different markings from light through to dark green. It first emerged in 1935, and you will often see three distinctive markings on the side of their face.